Leaving the scene of a crash is a criminal offense. The severity of the criminal charges that a hit-and-run driver faces will depend on the severity of the crash, the damage caused, and the extent of injuries, or death as a result of the crash. If you have been involved in an accident and left the scene without reporting the accident or getting help for the injured person, you need to contact an experienced criminal attorney immediately.
A Sheriff’s deputy or police officer can come to your place of business or your residence and interrogate you regarding the circumstances of the accident. It is important to retain an attorney who can help you keep an investigator from coming to your place of business or home to ask questions about the circumstances of the accident. The investigator will try to make you answer questions without having an attorney present. An attorney will help you invoke your right to remain silent. Once someone from law enforcement knows that you are represented by an attorney, they cannot ask you any questions without your lawyer present.
An attorney can conduct an investigation and secure favorable information about how the crash occurred, whether there were any witnesses, and more importantly, whether you even knew that someone had been injured or died. Your attorney can supply their investigation to the officer so that a police report can be prepared and the investigation closed.
An experienced criminal attorney can also help you deal with your insurance company and make sure that the accident is properly reported so that your insurance company can resolve any claims for injuries or damages presented by anyone hurt in the accident.
If you are arrested as a result of a hit and run, attorney Marc Plotnick, founding partner and criminal trial attorney of Plotnick Law can represent you in the actual criminal matter including get a bond set or get you released on your own recognizance. Attorney Plotnick can work with the State Attorney’s office in the investigation of the criminal matter and can represent you and negotiate a plea agreement or represent you at trial.
If you need help navigating any criminal case whether felony or misdemeanor in St. Petersburg or surrounding areas in Florida, attorney Marc Plotnick and his firm, Plotnick Law, are ready to help.
Our approach is results-focused: we strive to obtain the best outcome possible given your particular case. We offer knowledgeable and compassionate legal guidance in many family law, personal injury, and criminal defense matters. Plotnick Law can help you when you need it most. Contact our office by calling us at (727) 619-1827 to schedule your consultation.